May 2025

Dear friend of the ministry,

In Matthew 25:1-13, we read the parable of the ten virgins. This account is a simple parable about ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of the virgins were prepared with oil for their lamps, and five had no oil. The bridegroom’s arrival was delayed, and Jesus tells us that all ten virgins fell asleep waiting for him to come. When the bridegroom finally arrived, five of them did not have oil for their lamps and had to go and purchase the oil. However, by the time they came back, the other five virgins were with the bridegroom attending the wedding, and the door had been closed. When the five virgins arrived from purchasing the oil needed for their lamps, they knocked and called out to be let into the wedding feast, but the bridegroom responded: “I do not know you.”

Jesus was teaching the importance of being alert and ready for His return, which raises an important question: “Is this parable the church today?” Has the church fallen asleep while waiting for Christ’s return? It is interesting to think about as we look at all that is happening in Canada.

What are the signs of a church that is asleep?
01. Lack of conviction of sin
02. No fear of God
03. Lack of concern for living in a godless society
04. Straying from teaching that the Bible is the very voice of God

These are just a few of the many signs of a sleeping church. Has the enemy created lies that have prevented some from being prepared to wage war for the Kingdom of God?

One of the most significant lies the enemy is using today is that our world is a playground, not a battleground. It’s easy to let your guard down when you believe that lie. A playground is a fun place with different things to entertain us — sports fields, swings, slides, etc. They are all meant to entertain us, but as believers, we often forget that we must be wide awake and aware that this world is a battleground. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle [battle] is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We are in a battle that we cannot win on our own, so Paul tells the church at Ephesus that they need to put on the armour of God.

In April, Beth Schmidt and I led the first of four Overcoming Spiritual Warfare Conferences in Mission, BC. We designed this conference to ensure believers are well-equipped and wide-awake for battle. When you look at your community, church, and country, what do you see when you look at fellow believers? Are they engaged in the battle or enjoying the playground?

Do you or the people around you need to hear the wake-up call? The bridegroom is coming, and while we wait for His arrival, we are to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. We need to prepare ourselves for the battle. I highly recommend you join us for one of our remaining conferences and bring others with you.

Many of those attending the BC Conference informed us of the great value of attending the event, and we are looking forward to being in Nova Scotia at the end of May, Alberta in October, and Ontario in November. You can find all the details for each conference by visiting our website.

Precept Family: Our mission is to engage people in relationship with God through knowing His Word. As part of this vision, we believe our workshops and conferences are vital to teaching others how to study the Bible for themselves.

If you cannot attend our conference, would you pray about sponsoring others to attend through a financial gift to Precept? Your gifts go directly to the ministry in Canada through our various events. We hope to continue offering our events to participants at a low cost, and your gifts are vital to making this happen. You can give to the ministry by visiting our website and clicking the “Give” button, or by sending back the enclosed reply card.

Thank you for supporting this vital ministry in Canada, and I hope to see you at one of our remaining events.

Blessings, 

Mark Sheldrake
National Director